Ministry Update July/Aug 2016

Ministry Update July/Aug 2016

290716

It was quite a “stunt” travelling to spend four nights in four different cities one after another. Well, that was fun with one night in PJ, the next in Senawang, the next back in Penang, n the next in SP. July was full of public holidays. But holidays somehow are no longer “appealing” when your work-hours seemed to be pretty “inconsistent.”

There were teaching engagements n regular preaching sessions in July. One significant event in this month came just last night when BJAC opened our chapel for a healing service. The place was filled to the brim – literally! It was an atmosphere of holy anticipation. God worked marvelously. It has been quite awhile since the last time I was attending such meetings n I am grateful for the opportunity to “share” in such a blessed occasion. Later today, I’m bringing a team of foreign (I think all of them r China Chinese student pastors/pastors) students into the OA villages for the weekend. Hopefully there’ll be another “dose” of monkey meat. The aunties in this village are fantastic cooks n I hv no doubt at all that the monkey meat they serve will be A+++ quality in taste. Someone told me that their “secret” of cooking such delicious food is that they “cook from the heart.”

August is another month of endless activities n I m so looking forward to it. No, not looking forward to the ridiculous new Act restricting us in the guise of national security but looking forward to our 2^nd RC “mini reunion” in KK. But before that there’ll be several travels n I realized all my August weekends r filled. Anyway, who wouldn’t be excited at meeting friends that shaped your adult-life after…25 years?! Yes, it has been that long n thanks to FB n whatsapp we re-connected. 

In August, SAM Ipoh will hv an intensive module for certificate n diploma students. SAM Penang SP center will conclude its current course end of the month while Tmn Pelangi center will begin its next course, the final one for this academic year..

September will be another busy month of travels into the interior with two church teams visiting the villages one weekend after another; well, it’s a month of holidays too!

Do continue to pray with n for us. Thank you for your partnership in ministry.

Ministry Update June/July 2016

We are wrapping up the first half of the year with the conclusion of June 2016. It has been a month of many significant incidents. From the end of the previous month, my (third) aunt was ill and in the ICU. At the first visit, I had a bad feeling of her condition. She was the only Christian among her siblings. I remember that I was suddenly unable to pray for her, overcame by a strong wave of emotion – seeing a glimpse of my mother in her. My aunt went home to be with the Lord early in the morning on Friday 17^th June. The funeral was on Tuesday, 22 June. The whole day I was disappointed with how the pastor conducting the funeral failed to seize the opportunity to deliver a strong evangelistic message to our unbelieving relatives. I was upset at his wrong theology n poor understanding of the Bible. The thought kept reeling in my mind. Even late into the night driving back from a class I visited in Juru. I stopped by a nearby petrol station to get a full fill of petrol n was all set for my class in SP the next day. My mind was pre-occupied n I let down guard. When I reached home, I drove my car into the compound n turned behind to see the auto-gate shut. Just then, a man wearing black jacket n a full-faced helmet rushed in. I immediately pressed on the horn while he started to smash my car window at the passenger side. Then he rushed out just before the auto-gate shut. Turning behind to see him leave, I saw another accomplish running out from my right. Gosh! There was another robber at my right, probably trying to open my side of car door! It was pretty traumatic for me. But praise God for caring CG members who came to calm n advice me. The next day, police report lodged n window repaired. Thank God also for a caring Christian who offered to pay for the repairs. Incident behind but the traumatic healing is still progressing. Nevertheless, I praise n thank God I was not harmed n nothing was lost.

Ministry-wise: there was a brief trip to the OA village with SAM Penang students at the start of the month. Then there was a trip to Seremban to teach in a Seminary there on behalf of SPECS. I had the opportunity to spend some short but precious time with an old friend from 2^nd RC, UM. Next, was an over the weekend trip to OA villages in Kampar with a group of China Chinese pastors from MBTS. I was pretty disappointed that my colleague planned most of the activities to take place in his town church in Kampar itself. We only went for short visits to two different homes in the outskirts.

SAM Ipoh Dip/MMin one-week intensive module is on-going now in Ipoh during this last week of June. Elsewhere, SAM Penang in Taman Pelangi had started their third class of the year with the study on New Testament Survey beginning 2^nd June and will conclude sometime end of July. In the meantime, SAM Penang in Sungai Petani will begin its third class in Church Admin on 29^th June and will continue till end August.

Next month, July will see many public holidays. But in the field I am in, it makes no difference whether it is a work day or public holiday. For me the major difference is the traffic on the road. After the “holiday season” in July, I hv another class to teach in Seremban. Then, another trip to the OA villages with MBTS team. This time, we will visit Gopeng. Please pray for the church in Ulu Groh. We planned to visit this village then, but last week I was told a huge storm struck n a tree was uprooted, falling right on the church, destroying a major portion.

Please pray for SAM administrative wisdom. Our funds were parked in my church (BJAC) accounts all these years but this year our mother church strongly suggested for SAM to move our funds out. We are seeking our Archbishop’s advice to move the funds somewhere that we can be placed under the covering of the Diocese. I will advice all of you once the new account has been created n its details. It will be a joint account consisting of all four SAM Northern Centers committee members.

I am very looking forward to August – in particular a short over the weekend trip to KK for a mini reunion of 2^nd RC collegians. It has been about 25 years since our college days n we are meeting for the first time to see each other, 25 years later!

Thank you for your continuous support and partnership in ministry.

SB

290616

Ministry Update MayJune 2016

It has been a busy month and several times when I woke up in the morning, I was not sure what day it was!

There was no break for “labor’s day” for me. In fact, I kind of “lost track” it was a public holidays. No, I’m not THAT busy. Is just that I’m trying to manage time the best possible with the increasing tasks I need to pay attention to.

I praise God for the three days training in the 4square church in Ipoh. They are very nice people and I’m glad to have established network with this denomination. It was a good time of mutual learning; one of those super few times I teach in English…gosh, there was an instant I actually asked the class for the English version of a BM word!

The class in Taman Pelangi concluded their study of a 3-credit Theology course. At the same time, Sungai Petani also concluded their study in Biblical Interpretation. On 31 May – 1 June, the SAM Penang – Taman Pelangi and Sungai Petani – have jointly organized a visit to the OA village of Ulu Kampar for practical ministry. Do pray for us – for journey mercy, good time of fellowship (SAM Ipoh – SAM Penang and villagers), being a blessing, and being blessed.

June will open with the study of NT Survey in Taman Pelangi and Church Administration in Sungai Petani. Join us again in praying for a time of mutual learning and encouragement.

I am also partnering with several Christian training institutions to jointly publish a BM book. The commentary on the Epistle to the Philippian church was translated years ago but it never got published due to “exhaustion” of funds for the BM department. Well, I was serving on the platform of an institution that has no passion for the BM ministry. Anyway, I initiated this effort realizing the extreme shortage of BM resources that can cater to students at Bible School/Seminary level. I had previously partnered a Christian publisher to publish the book in Biblical Interpretation. There was only 500 copies printed with 200 copies sent to us, SAM, while the rest have been shipped to Sabah/Sarawak for the “market” there.

I am now partnering STS in Sabah and we have roped in MBTS. Now we are waiting STM to come aboard. SAM Northern Centers, actually has no fund/budget for this publication work. However, I am stepping out in faith, trusting the fund will come in somehow. Partnering with these seminaries, it will reduce the publication cost besides giving wider credibility to the book.

At a recent Anglican function, the Diocesan Women’s Conference, I somehow felt led to stand up at our dinner table and spoke to those at the table, consisting of Anglican pastors from various Anglican churches – challenging them to partner me through SAM in this effort to publish this book. I praise God, someone responded positively. This I will follow-up. I just hope many more will share the passion in response to our Archbishop’s call for the church to “wake up” in these challenging times in Malaysia.

Do pray for us and with us in the OA/BM ministry. There are so many needs and many of it requires financial assistance. Two OA evangelists are serving without any allowance. Though I have found two sponsors, both are committing to provide half of our request. Please continue to pray for further aid for them. All of our ministries need your prayer support. Remember us during your quiet times as you bring your petitions to God. We are only able to do great exploits for God because you have been praying for us.

Once again, thank you for your partnership in ministry

SB

29May2016

Ministry Update AprMay 2016

It was a short-lived luxury…I sank my teeth into its cold, dark skin. With the hot weather, she melted quickly, even in the air-con room. The sinful indulgence took just about 4 minutes, n that’s the best I can pro-long the luxurious treat! Yes, I decided to “pamper” myself with a Magnum Classic as I prepared to conclude the class in Ipoh on Theology 1. But returning to Penang, I will continue with the same course with the Penang students, repeating the syllabus to a different crowd.

This certificate/diploma class in Ipoh has 6 new students. We are expecting another 10 at the next class where my colleague will teach Intro to OT. These 10 are from the Presbyterian church. I was told the pastor engaged to minister to them had returned to Sabah n the Presbyterian church find themselves not in the capacity to continue. So, they asked to “pass” the work to the Anglican church. Next year, we may see another 16 new students from Kampar outreaches.

In the meantime, the class in Sungai Petani has grown to 16 while the one in Taman Pelangi, Juru has “shrunk” a bit to just 7. We are expecting another 4 to graduate this year with their certificate in Christian Ministry. However, if they fail to complete the compulsory courses, we may just have 2 graduates. There is no diploma graduate this year n we probably will not have another diploma graduate for the next 2-3 years. The three master degree students still have to work on submitting the required documents for their application process; n I m pinning my hope for them to complete their master degree end of next year.

After this class (Theology 1) in Ipoh, my next visit to Ipoh is in another 2 weeks’ time where I will teach at the 4Sq Bible School on behalf of SPECS. I don’t know much about this school, nor the 4Square denomination; n this will be one of those rare occasions where I will be teaching in English. Later in May, SAM Penang (Taman Pelangi and Sungai Petani) is visiting the OA villages; each visiting a different village.

Do pray for and with us: we need funds to finance the OA students through their theological education. Once a student is confirmed n agree to continue till completion, I will need to find the funds for him/her. From experience, I am confident that God will provide the necessary because this is the time God is raising the OA in this land to lead the Malaysian church into a season of spiritual awakening. Join us, partner us – in this exciting time to see how God unfolds His plans for this nation through the OA church. Visit us and experience it yourself of how we ought to worship in spirit n in truth, of how we can touch the heart of God in simplicity n sincerity. Come partner this OA ministry…

28Apr2016

Ministry Update Mar/Apr 2016

It was a lazy Saturday morning in the office when I received a phone call from an acquaintance. “Are you still in that small church? Why aren’t you requesting to be transferred to a ‘bigger’ church, given your years of service?” I was surprised with that question. But knowing who it came from, I can understand his perspective. People tend to equate ministry success to pastoring “big” churches. After all, that is how secular mentality had groomed us to think – you worked your years and ought to be rewarded with significant positions. So, I tried to explain to this friend that it is not important to be based in a “big” church but more importantly is that I am found faithful in serving God. Besides, I am happy working with my OA friends in the training ministry, which in some sense, running “under radar” of active ministry.

That short conversation reminds me the state of our church today. Instead of being the salt that influences the world, it has become influenced by the world. Significance appears to come from visible increase of quantity, regardless of quality. In some churches, it has turned to be so corporate that leaders function more as managers, not leaders; they hurt sheep instead of healing wounds. I cringe when I read that “judgment will begin from the house of God,” fearful of the impending judgment upon so-called “fellow pastors” some of whom I know entered ministry for all the wrong reasons.

March was a month of preparations. As the first quarter concluded, the SAM Penang classes in Taman Pelangi and Sungai Petani concluded. Next week will begin the second quarter where I switch location to teach a class in Theology in Taman Pelangi while the other teacher will repeat his class in Sungai Petani. 3^rd/4^th week of April is the one n half week of intensive class for certificate/diploma students in Ipoh.

Will greatly appreciate your partnership in prayer as I “juggle” between three teaching centers in three different locations in three different states: Sungai Petani, Kedah; Taman Pelangi in Juru Auto City Prai, Penang; Ipoh, Perak. We will be initiating partnership with yet another Seminary in Malaysia while forging close ties with STM in Seremban n MEC in Miri

SB

2Apr2016

^{PHP 1:3} I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴ In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Ministry Update Feb/Mar2016

Sorry for the delay in updating you the progress of ministry. There are so many class preparations and student assignments to grade. Besides that is the juggling of schedule among 3 teachers in 2 SAM Penang centers in Prai and Sungai Petani to ensure it both do not clash and also meet the schedule of each individual teacher. The classes in Ipoh are pretty straight-forward as it involve intensive one-week or one-and a half-week of classes. The Penang centers are weekly classes that also need to consider students working on shifts, especially the Sungai Petani center where many are Indonesian contract workers in the factories. Additionally, there is a request to increase the load of the courses from 2 to 3 credits so that the program can be completed sooner. It is in consideration of the contract workers who have limited time here in Malaysia.

Additionally, being in the team to teach TOPAD at various other Bible Schools, I also need to juggle other teaching engagements. Thus far, the scheduling alone had taken so much time that I hardly have time to translate my dissertation into BM beyond chapter one!

Student assignments are slow to come in and some do not meet the required standard when they attempt the short cut approach to “cut n paste” from internet articles. Here we are, assuming Bible School students are church leaders and pastors who ought to know better in matters of honesty and integrity. If the “cut n paste” comes with referencing or footnote it is not as serious. But, in these few cases, there were no such referencing whatsoever. It is both frustrating and upsetting that church leaders/pastors can resort to that!

I hv also begun grading assignments for our first batch of master program students. The application procedure finally began with them submitting the necessary documents to MEC for acceptance into the program. Even at this initial stage, the prospective students were slow in submitting the necessary documents while exhibiting a lack of responsibility in expediting the necessary documents from the right individuals. There’s just so much I can help and in fact, I am beginning to wonder if these prospective master program students are really master-material! I am questioning myself if I am moving too fast for my OA friends to catch up, or have over-estimated their readiness??!!?? The first master-level assignment I received was not at all master-level quality. It was just diploma level but lengthened.

I seek your prayer support for Godly wisdom. Truly I believe, it is only by God’s grace that I can hold all things together. March consists of regular teaching classes in SP besides getting ready for Good Friday/Easter. BJAC, for the first time will hold a Good Friday Devotional service, participated fully by our own members. April will continue with teaching schedules in both SAM Penang and Ipoh.

Thank you for your partnership in ministry

Ministry Update January/February 2016

Woohoo…entering into the second month already! And what hv I accomplished or learnt during the first month of the year?! Don’t put to tomorrow what you can do today. The year opened with tragic news, perhaps an indication of how gloomy the year (s) will be like ahead of us. Tragic fatal motor accidents costing innocent lives, drastic drop in crude oil per barrel, call to get a second job to survive, expected 5-figure unemployment, etc. It sure looks gloomy. But I’d like to believe God is in control. For me, I often find it hard to reconcile what the head knows with how the heart feels. But sure enough is this fact: God is watchful over every event that unfolds n He awaits the right time to put His plans to work.

^{ISA 55:9} "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. ^{ISA 55:10} As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, ^{ISA 55:11} so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Isn’t that Isaiah passage a comfort we need in times like now? It comforts me for sure.

First week of January I was in Klang for a 3-day intensive trainers’ training. Was quite an experience staying in the hotel my host put us up. Fanciful name n posh contemporary deco complete with hi-tech security. During the 2 nights stay I moved into 3 rooms! First it was the bathroom door that got jammed (my sister was locked in for 40mins before maintenance came after 3 intercoms); then the second room had water disruption; n the third room has shower options of just super hot n super cold with nothing in between! That aside, the training was an eye-opener n enriching – thanks to J&P.

Second week of January I was in Port Dickson. No, it was not sunshine in the beach. It was a diocesan retreat. I wonder why there weren’t any team-building activities n I observed how cliques formed according to ethnicity. The teaching sessions were basic n I noticed many participants not paying attention – me included. But this one thing I discovered – I now realized how “titles” make a difference. Previously, many fellow colleagues treated me as a “newbie” which indeed I was in the Anglican diocese. Suddenly with a Dr, it’s a different treatment. I was even added into the whatsapp chat group that consists of “high flyers” of the Anglican church! The way people talk to me n acknowledge my presence changed. This one person who used to call me, “hey SB,” now calls me, “doctor,” complete with a respectful nod. Wahloa! No wonder people everywhere seek after “titles.” It really makes a difference!

I seemed to recall another incident (no, this time not the Anglican community) I was introduced as Dr Swee Bee to a group n I immediately responded, “just call me Swee Bee.” The next respond I received was, “oh, that’s very humble of you.” WHAT?!Humble? Me? I am being humble? Well, rather…I am being CHRISTIAN! Hello…? I tend to believe this instead – a deaconess (Dss) title will NOT make me any holier; a doctor (Dr) title will NOT make me any smarter. I am the same person as before n prone to sin as anyone else. And I need partnership from fellow Christian brothers n sisters along this spiritual pilgrimage n transformation into the likeness of Jesus Christ. It looks like “worldly culture” has so permeated into the church n crawling its way to the top leadership, thus influencing them to “impart” worldly-tainted perspectives to the rest of the church!

Third week of January the SAM class in Sungai Petani “branch” started its academic term. I am teaching the Intro to OT class. This is a different crowd with mostly Indonesian contract workers n Indonesians married to local Malaysians. It is interesting that the composition of students in Taman Pelangi (Prai), Sungai Petani (Kedah), n Ipoh are all different n it gives me vast opportunities to learn from the students. Thank you, Lord! The once-a-week class in SP will hv 8 sessions with breaks for CNY n my Feb class in Ipoh. CNY is right around the corner n deco n drumming music is already in the malls. After CNY is a week-long class in Evangelism n Discipleship in Ipoh. This is the first time I am teaching this course n hv to spend more time in its various preparations.

The week after CNY, SAM in Taman Pelangi starts it academic term with a course in Biblical Interpretation. A Korean missionary is teaching this class. In the meantime, I am working with a Christian publisher to publish a “Bible-school worthy” BM book – Basic Guide in Bible Interpretation: Playing by the Rules (or something like that). This book is somewhat a “classic” n hopefully the printed copies can roll out the press before class begins.

Thank you for praying with us n thank you for your partnership in this exciting ministry of vast potential. I pray that for the days ahead in this year, we join our hearts to pray for God’s intervention in our nation, in our world, in this generation so that people everywhere see the glory of Him who loves us all!